🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Marc Webb
- Genre: Drama
- Release year: 2017
- Runtime (length): 1h 41min
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10 (148K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Captain America fights his British mom over his genius niece, who really just wants to hang out with her one-eyed cat, Fred, and maybe solve a math problem or two… but definitely not all the math problems.
🍿 Gifted: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction of Mary and Frank
Frank Adler, a former philosophy professor turned boat repairman, is raising his spirited niece Mary in a small coastal town in Florida. Mary is a child prodigy in mathematics. Frank wants her to have a normal life. Mary starts attending public school, where her exceptional mathematical abilities quickly become apparent to her teacher, Bonnie Stevenson. Despite her intellectual superiority, Mary struggles to connect with children her age.

The Custody Battle Begins
Frank’s estranged mother, Evelyn, a formidable mathematician, learns of Mary’s potential and seeks custody, believing that Mary should dedicate her life to mathematics. This sets the stage for a heated custody battle. Evelyn argues that Frank is not providing Mary with the intellectual stimulation she needs, while Frank insists that Mary deserves a normal childhood. As the legal proceedings unfold, the dynamics between Frank, Evelyn, and Mary are explored, revealing the complexities of their family history and the tragic circumstances surrounding Mary’s mother’s death.

Courtroom Drama and Foster Care
The custody battle intensifies, with both sides presenting compelling arguments. Frank’s lawyer advises him to consider a deal where Mary is placed in foster care and attends a private school, with Frank retaining visitation rights. Mary is devastated by the decision and refuses to see Frank. He discovers that Evelyn is secretly overseeing Mary’s education at the foster home, confirming his fears about her intentions.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Frank (Chris Evans): A single man and former philosophy professor raising his gifted niece, Mary, while grappling with her extraordinary potential and his desire for her to have a normal childhood.
- Mary (Mckenna Grace): A spirited seven-year-old math prodigy caught in a custody battle between her uncle and grandmother, navigating her intellectual gifts and the desire for a typical childhood.
- Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan): Frank’s formidable mother and Mary’s grandmother, a brilliant mathematician who believes Mary’s exceptional abilities should be nurtured through advanced schooling.
- Roberta (Octavia Spencer): Frank and Mary’s supportive landlady and best friend, offering wisdom and stability to their unconventional family.
- Bonnie (Jenny Slate): Mary’s caring first-grade teacher who recognizes her exceptional talents and develops a connection with both Mary and Frank.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Frank: “She needs to be around other kids, to socialize.” – Frank explains his reasoning for enrolling Mary in public school despite her advanced intellect.
- Mary: “I’m not like other kids.” – Mary expresses her isolation and feeling of disconnect from her peers due to her giftedness.
- Frank: “I want her to have friends and go to college and be bored in class and sneak out to parties and make mistakes and fall in love.” – Frank articulates his desire for Mary to have a normal childhood, filled with typical experiences.
- Evelyn: “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” – Evelyn argues for Mary to pursue her mathematical gifts to their fullest potential.
- Mary: “You lied to me!” – Mary’s heart-wrenching reaction when Frank explains that she will be going to foster care
💰Box Office
- Budget: $7,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $24,801,212
- Worldwide Gross: $43,069,254
💥 Gifted Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely loved Gifted! From the beginning, the relationship between Frank and Mary felt so real. Mckenna Grace was incredible – I honestly forgot she was acting. The story pulled at my heartstrings, and I found myself laughing and crying throughout the movie. It’s a heartwarming film about family and doing what’s best for those you love. I love this movie, and it will stay with me.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of family dramas”
- “Viewers interested in stories about gifted children”
- “People who enjoy heartwarming and emotional films”
- “Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, and Octavia Spencer fans”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Suicide references”
- “Mild language”
- “Themes of family conflict and custody battles”
Professional Reviews
- IMDb: “Gifted offers a heartfelt story, outstanding acting, and stunning cinematography. McKenna Grace shines as Mary. The film balances drama with humor and shows strong family values.
- IMDb: “A wonderful movie, wonderfully executed. A sweet and meaningful story of love, family and finding balance in life. Mckenna Grace is adorable, Chris Evans is pretty heroic, and Lindsay Duncan plays her role with depth.
- ScreenRant: “Chris Evans delivers a compelling performance, showing that he can act. Octavia Spencer is the gold standard, and Lindsay Duncan is so good. See this movie. It’s the kind they don’t make anymore. Laugh and cry.
Audience Reactions
The chemistry between Chris Evans and Mckenna Grace felt incredibly genuine and touching.: Viewers praised the film for its emotional depth, stellar acting, and heartwarming storyline.
The film resonated with viewers who appreciated its focus on family dynamics and the complexities of raising a gifted child.: Many audience members found the film to be thought-provoking and emotionally moving, with a lasting impact.
Overall Consensus: Gifted is a heartwarming and emotionally resonant film praised for its excellent performances, especially from Mckenna Grace, and its exploration of family dynamics and the challenges of raising a gifted child.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Mckenna Grace, who played Mary, was praised for her ability to memorize complex mathematical equations and deliver lines with naturalism.”
- “Director Marc Webb aimed for a balance between showcasing Mary’s exceptional abilities and portraying her as a relatable child.”
- “The Navier-Stokes problem mentioned in the movie is one of the seven Millennium Prize problems in mathematics, with a $1,000,000 prize offered for its solution.”
🖥️ How to Watch Gifted?
Gifted is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability. It is also available on DVD and Blu-ray.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Gifted, you might like these similar films:
- Good Will Hunting (1997): Features a young genius grappling with his potential and the challenges of fitting into society, focusing on his personal growth and relationships.
- Little Man Tate (1991): Explores the life of a child prodigy and the challenges of raising a gifted child, balancing intellectual development with emotional well-being.
- Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993): Focuses on a chess prodigy and the pressures he faces, highlighting the tension between nurturing talent and preserving childhood innocence.
- The Theory of Everything (2014): Portrays the life of Stephen Hawking, a brilliant mind facing physical limitations, emphasizing his intellectual achievements and personal struggles.
🛒 Gifted Related Products
- Gifted (Blu-ray): Own the film on Blu-ray and experience the heartwarming story in high definition with exclusive behind-the-scenes features.
- Gifted Movie Poster: A beautiful poster to commemorate the movie Gifted
- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon: A captivating novel about a mathematically gifted young boy, offering a similar exploration of brilliance and the challenges of social interaction. Available on Kindle and Audible.
- Gifted Movie-Inspired T-Shirt: Show your love for the movie with a stylish t-shirt featuring a memorable quote or image from ‘Gifted’. Available in various sizes and colors.
🎧 Soundtrack
Gifted features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Navier-Stokes problem is one of the seven Millennium Prize Problems in mathematics. It’s a complex equation that, if solved, could have significant implications for fluid dynamics and other fields. In the movie, Mary’s mother had been dedicated to solving it before her death.
Gifted was primarily filmed in Savannah, Georgia.
After Mary is placed in foster care, Fred the one-eyed cat is taken to a kill shelter due to Evelyn’s allergies. Frank, alerted by Bonnie, rescues Fred at the last minute. Fred returns with Mary to Frank’s care.
🔥 Bonus Content
Jacob Tremblay was too young to watch his own movie #shorts
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to watch a movie you starred in as a child? Jacob Tremblay shares his unique experience, and it’s sure to warm your heart. Check it out!
A Gifted 7-Year-Old Girl with an IQ Higher Than Newton’s Solves Unsolvable Mysteries
This movie summary video intrigued me with its fascinating premise. If you’re curious about the film, or just enjoy a good mystery, I highly recommend giving it a watch.
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